h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hand goes up at the back...

I still have no idea what nickel and dimming something to death means, I'd take a guess as sweating over the small stuff, but it could be something more Elliot Ness...or not?

Excuse my ignorance, and thanks, another great column.

Thanks for having the courage and curiosity to ask.

Nickels and dimes are, indeed, small stuff. But they add up. Say you hire a contractor to fix your roof. He quotes you a price, but adds on small 'extras'. That man will nickel-and-dime you to death.

Metaphorically, it means to destroy something with petty concerns. Like when people nitpick at your work and erode its value.

Ta!